The best things to do in Cologne

What is it? With its remarkable twin-spire church, Cologne Cathedral is Germany’s most visited tourist attraction.

Why go? Stand humbled in the nave under vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. Don’t miss the mind-boggling ‘Richter-Fenster’ in the southern transept, a 106 sqm window made up of 11,000 hand-blown glass panels in 72 different colours. Towering at 515 feet tall, it’s home to the largest facade of any church in the world. God-level stuff.

Address: Domkloster 4, 50667 Köln

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 6am-8pm (general access), Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-4pm (tourist visits)

Expect to pay: Free entry (tower and treasury require a small fee)

What is it? Chocolatier and magnate Peter Ludwig gave his name to Cologne’s most prominent collection of modern art – renowned Ludwig Museum is home to the third largest collection of Picasso works in the world and holds spectacular exhibitions. 

Why go? To see world-beating modern art, including the works of Gerhard Richter, one of Germany’s most important contemporary artists (and creator of the eponymous Richter-Fenster in the Kölner Dom). Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra shares the same building, making it one of the city’s cultural hubs. 

Address: Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Köln

Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10am-6pm, first Thursday of the month 10am-10pm, closed Mondays (except public holidays)

Expect to pay: Adults €15.40, concessions €10.40

What is it? The Fragrance Museum has been around since 1709 and exists as one of the oldest factories for fine perfumes in the world.

Why go? Unpack the fragrant history of the Eau de Cologne at this museum in the heart of the city – the story unfolds over several floors detailing the complex process that goes into every bottle of a signature scent. 

Address: Obenmarspforten 21, 50667 Köln

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

Expect to pay: Adults €10, concessions €8 (guided tour only)

What is it? The Schokoladen Museum is a chocolate lover’s dream, digging into the rich 5,000-year history of chocolate.

Why go? Learn how a humble jungle pod is turned into everyone’s favourite sweet treat. For a more hands-on experience, make for the showcase chocolate fountain and dip right in. Check out Schokoladen’s museum cafe, which has waterfront seating with lovely views towards the Dom.

Time Out tip: This is also a great stop off on a walk around the beautifully developed harbour, past the famed crane houses along the Rhine. 

Address: Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Köln

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-6pm (closed Mondays in January-March and November)

Expect to pay: Adults €15.50, children €9

What is it? Electronic and techno music is the lifeblood of Cologne’s vibrant clubbing scene, and Fi is its current poster club.

Why go? A crazy slice of wedge-shaped architecture built in an industrial area explicitly to house one of Germany’s best sound systems, Fi’s two dancefloors throb from late until early every weekend.

Insider tip: The stunning outside terrace climbs all the way to the top of the wedge. If you’re still at the club, it’s a great place to watch the sun rise.

Address: Widdersdorfer Strasse 246, 50825 Köln

Opening hours: Nights here typically start around 11pm and run into early morning

Expect to pay: Anywhere from €10-€30

What is it? Cologne’s lovingly maintained botanical gardens, conveniently located next to the huge city zoo.

Why go? You’ll encounter some 12,000 plant species over the 5.5 hectares of beautiful gardens. It’s best just to walk in and get lost, but follow your nose and you’ll no doubt end up at the lovely Dank Augusta garden café, where the coffee and cakes are a treat. In 2024, two enourmous new parabolic greenhouses opened here, home to tropical gardens, trails and an on-site laboratory investigating the evolution of deserts. 

Address: Amsterdamer Straße 34, 50735 Köln

Opening hours: Daily 8am-dusk; glasshouses April–September 10am-6pm, October–March 10am-4pm

Expect to pay: Free

What is it? Traditional down-to-earth German dining experience at Peter’s Brauhaus.

Why go? From the Himmel un Äd (Sky and Earth) to the Kassler (smoked and boiled pork), meals are heavy on the meat and potatoes, rich and fatty, hearty and delicious. Go hungry. Oh, and there’s only one tipple to wash down your meal with: Kölsch. A crisp Cologne speciality with a distinctive golden glow brewed under strict historic provisions, it’s the pride of the city.

Address: Mühlengasse 1, 50667 Köln

Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 11.30am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11.30am-12am, Sunday 11.30am-9.30pm

Price: Typical mains €15-30 including beer

What is it? ‘The most Cologne of all Cologne bars’, Lommerzheim is the alternative brauhaus experience.

Why go? At first glance it appears abandoned – a dilapidated house once run by one of Cologne’s most colourful brewers, known as Lommi. Today it looks much the same, but the Kölsch flows, the food is delicious and the atmosphere unbeatable.

Time Out tip: You’ll get the full Cologne Köbes experience – waiters who top up your Kölsch endlessly, unbidden, until you cover your glass. 

Address: Siegesstraße 18, 50679 Köln

Opening hours: Monday 11am-2.30pm and 4.30pm-midnight, Wednesday-Saturday 11am-2.30pm and 4.30pm-midnight, Sunday 11am-2.30pm and 4.30pm-11pm, closed Tuesday

Price: Typical mains €15-25, Kölsch beers about €2 each (cash only)

What is it? Among the leafy streets and lazy cafés of Ehrenfeld district you’ll find some of the best street art in Germany.

Why go? A tour is the only way to find the best artworks, from temporary illegal local pieces to established classics like the skinned rabbit by ROA on Senefelderstrasse.

Time Out tip: Join an Alternative Cologne street art tour to catch all the highlights and round it out with an epic Turkish treat at legendary Kebapland.

Address: District of Ehrenfeld, 50825 Köln

Opening hours: Open 24-hours (public space)

What is it? A café with a cult following in Cologne, serving up great coffee and (in the afternoons and evenings) wines, beers and cocktails. 

Why go? Breakfast at Café Rico may just be the best way to start your day (or end your night) in Cologne. Don’t be fooled by the slight sense of mania, go with the flow and you’ll discover the service, food and clientele all rock. It’s also a favourite hangout for the local LGBTQ community and hosts some lively crowds.